The meeting was called to order by President Charlie Anderson. The meeting minutes of November 8, 2010 were approved as written.

Reorganization: Dave Scott moved and Don Ward seconded to appoint the following officers: President: Charlie Anderson Vice President: Jim Mann Secretary: Don Ward The board voted unanimously to approve the nominations. President Anderson then introduced the newest member to the board, Jim Annis, County Council Member. With a Don Ward motion, a Dave Scott second and a unanimous vote from the board, Joe Rogers and Ben Diener were appointed as Executive Director and Area Plan Attorney, respectively.

****#987 James H. and G. Jane Ottinger Revocable Trust; requesting a rezone from B-1 (Neighborhood Business District) to B-2 (General Business District) to erect a pole sign.

Part of the North half of the South half of Section 28, Township 27 North, Range 3 West in Union Township, White County, Indiana, located in the City of Monticello, Indiana and more commonly known as 900 – 904 N. Main Street.

President Anderson read the request. Director Rogers explained that a pole sign is not allowed by current ordinance in a B-1 zoning district. Kory Arvin was present to answer questions from the board. He mentioned that all the surrounding property was B-2. He is taking over the State Farm Insurance business from Mr. Ottinger. The building will remain as is. He would like to erect a pole sign but can not in the B-1 zoning. Dave Scott asked if the building is in compliance with B-2 setbacks. Yes, it is. Dave Scott moved to vote; Jim Mann seconded. Result: 9 votes cast; 9 grant

Findings of Fact:1. The proposed rezoning is consistent with the goals, objective, and policies of the White County Strategic Plan and any other applicable planning studies and reports, as adopted and amended from time to time. 9 agree 2. The proposed rezoning is compatible with current conditions and the overall character of existing development in the immediate vicinity of the subject property. 9 agree 3. The proposed rezoning is the most desirable use for which the land in the subject property is adapted. 9 agree4. The proposed rezoning will not have an adverse effect on the value of properties throughout the jurisdiction. 9 agree5. The proposed rezoning reflects responsible standards for growth and development. 9 agree

The favorable recommendation will be sent to the Monticello City Council to be heard at their January 18, 2011 meeting at 6:00 pm for a final decision.****Business

Amendment to Chapter 10 of the Zoning Ordinance; Signs

Mike Smolek reported to the board that he has spoken with several people to get their opinions, such as Curt Blount, Pat Shafer and Doug Roberts. They are all in agreement with the proposed ordinance as far as placement of low profile and higher profile permanent signs. Mike intends to speak with a County Judge regarding defacing property and what the ordinance can do to give some support to the enforcement of vandalism laws. Mike spoke with NIPSCO who said they no longer care if signs are on utility poles as they no longer climb the poles. The goal is to bring an amended proposal to the March 14th APC meeting. Mike wants to simplify the proposal further. Joe Rogers suggested he speak with some of the members of the Advisory Committee that came up with the proposal. That committee met twice a month for seven months and had good reasons for their decisions. It might enlighten Mike as to why certain situations are addressed.

Appointment of a citizen member to the BZA from the APC Membership

Joe explained to the board that the Brookston Town Council has not yet made its appointment to the APC so the board may prefer to wait until the next meeting (March 14th) to appoint a member to the BZA. The board chose to wait until March as there were no volunteers.

Parking and Landscape Chapters

Director Rogers informed the board that the ordinance reads that properties located in a B-1 zoning district are excluded from the parking and landscape requirements with new or re-development. This is fine as long as the B-1 is located in a downtown area, however, many B-1 zonings are located away from downtown areas on private parcels. The board agreed that Joe should attempt to amend that part of the ordinance and submit his recommendation to them.

Setback DefinitionChapter 14 defines setback as being from the property line. Joe prefers the definition be re-written to state that the setback is taken from the road right-of-way or the property line, whichever is most restrictive as this is the practice in the office currently and has been the practice for years. Measuring from the property line could mean measuring from the middle of the road. The board agreed the definition should be rewritten. ****Office Staffing

Joe explained to the board that when he hired in he was to have three people in the office. He did not immediately staff with three in an attempt to get his feet wet and improve the efficiency of the office. Since, with budget cuts, the third person has been eliminated. This poses a problem when he and Gayle desire to be out of the office at the same time. In the past on such occasions, the building department has covered the office for Area Plan, just as Area Plan covers for the Building Department when they are gone. If this is not acceptable to the board, they need to let him know so different arrangements can be made. The board was in favor of the two offices working together to cover for each other. They said that was their intention for several years and they are pleased to see it happen. They do not want the office to be closed, as was the practice of the previous administration.****Fultz Violation

Director Rogers gave a slide presentation to the board showing the multitude of violations on the Fultz property. He explained some difficulty in enforcement. The board recommended Joe speak with Sheriff Pat Shafer to see what can be done. If the Sheriff can not help, maybe Environmental Officer John Raines can be of assistance. The board prefers Joe not try to handle this situation on his own.****Annual Report

The board was furnished a copy of the Annual Report for their review. Joe pointed out his closing comments. He would like to see Area Plan take a more proactive approach to planning. We are currently more reactionary to events rather than anticipatory of the changing times.

****Tech Review Committee Membership

The current members of the Technical Review Committee for Subdivisions from the APC are Don Ward, Mike Smolek, Dave Scott and Jim Mann. There has been a request to keep Denny Sterrett on the Committee. His previous seat was as County Surveyor. He retired from that position at the end of 2010. Joe explained he does not have funds budgeted to have five members. Dave Scott volunteered to give his seat to Denny. Don Ward motioned and Jim Annis seconded to amend the membership to Don Ward, Mike Smolek, Jim Mann, Denny Sterrett with Dave Scott as alternate. The board agreed unanimously.

Document Prepared By: White County Area Plan Secretary, Gayle E. Rogers “I AFFIRM, UNDER THE PENALTIES FOR PERJURY, THAT I HAVE TAKEN REASONABLE CARE TO REDACT EACH SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IN THIS DOCUMENT, UNLESS REQUIRED BY LAW.” ____________________________________________________________